Happy Anniversary Dear

It seems like only yesterday.  July 10, 1993.  A fresh college graduate (with GREAT hair) stood before an altar and uttered the words, “I do…until death do us part.”  That began an adventure abounding in twists and turns, joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams.

Shannon and I had little idea back then of where life would lead us, but we vowed to walk together into the future.  We prayed that God would guide us on the journey.

Who knew that soon after being married I would be comforting Shannon as she got news that her mother had cancer?  Those were hard days, but we endured them together.  God remained faithful…Jan’s been back and forth with cancer for 19 years now and is going strong!

Who knew my internship would take me all the way out to Boise, ID for a year?  We feared that Shannon would lose her nursing job at the VA…but God remained faithful and provided a VA job in Boise (3 blocks from the church!).

Who knew that we’d get sent all the way to central Illinois for my first congregation?  It seemed so far away from everyone we knew, but God remained faithful and provided a wonderful place for me to start my ministry.

Who knew that Shannon would start her own little business as a way to keep busy in a small town?  What started as a lark to have some fun now puts food on the table for several employees.  God has been faithful as Treefrog Treasures has become a giant in the toy soldier world.

Who knew that we would only have one child?  When we got married we couldn’t agree on whether to have two or four.  We had one…and no more.  That was hard to take, but God helped us through it.

Who knew that our cute little boy would grow into such a fine young man?  Parenting is definitely a challenge, but God has remained faithful for 14 years now!

Who knew that shortly after moving to Eyota that Shannon would be diagnosed with cancer?  For over 8 years we’ve battled it together, working through many highs and lows.  God remained faithful and has given us the strength to persevere. 

Through hair long and short (and gone)…through moving from state to state…through sickness and health…God remained faithful.  We are not the same people that got married 19 years ago, but God remains the same. 

Happy anniversary, my lovely bride!   It’s been a wonderful journey…I look forward to many more years of having you…and God…at my side!